Pre-menstrual Dysphoric Disorder (PMDD) is a severe type of premenstrual syndrome. It is characterised by moderate to severe affective and behavioural symptoms, that occur post ovulation and peak in the luteal phase of the menstrual cycle, becoming minimal or absent at the onset of menstruation[i]. PMDD is believed to affect 3-8%[ii] of women worldwide. Diagnostic criteria: […]
Changes in appetite before your period?
Have you noticed a change in your appetite in relation to where you are with regards to your menstrual cycle? Research shows that intake of food, as well as cravings for specific foods, can vary across the menstrual cycle. This is largely due to cyclical variations in ovarian hormones such as oestrodiol and progesterone, which […]
ADHD & PMDD – Is there a connection?
Yes! Research shows that the prevalence of PMDD is significantly higher in women with ADHD, compared to women without (approx. 10 fold!). Most women who have ADHD & PMDD, know that PMDD symptoms can make ADHD symptoms worse; these include symptoms associated with focus and concentration which often aggravate in the lead up to menstruation. […]
Your period and its influence on your mood
Ever noticed a dramatic change in mood in the lead up to your period? It might be worth tracking your cycle to see if there is any relationship that links your mood symptoms and your menstrual cycle. Why? A meta-analysis of 32 papers involving 3791 women observed a 13% greater risk of psychiatric admissions in […]
Melatonin for management of endometriosis
Melatonin is a hormone most people associate with sleep, but it also has powerful effects on the immune system which can then have a flow on action to hormonal conditions involving the immune system, such as endometriosis. Receptors, which are like docking sites for hormones, have been found for melatonin, on the endometrium, and also […]
Is AMH a good marker of fertility?
AMH is the acronym used for Anti-Müllerian hormone, a hormone secreted by cells in the ovarian follicles. Testing the level of AMH is currently used by some specialists as a marker to assess a woman’s ovarian reserve & subsequently suggest how fertile she is, however, there are aspects to this test that are considered reductionist […]
How hormones make you motivated
Ever wonder why you’re super focused & motivated at certain points during the month, but then totally lacking in drive & clarity and other points? There are many reasons (e.g. stress, lack of sleep, inadequate nutrition) however, if you’re female, your hormones could also be a contributor. In menstruating women, levels of steroid hormones such […]
How can I increase my progesterone naturally?Increasing progesterone can be done in many ways. From a naturopathic perspective, ensuring the building blocks for making progesterone are fun in the diet is important, however examining social bonds is by far the most interesting way of increasing progesterone I’ve come across. To understand this concept we first need to learn about oxytocin. Oxytocin […]
High prolactin + your thyroid
Studies show that women with hypothyroidism can often experience elevated levels of the hormone prolactin. When the brain senses there isn’t enough thyroid hormone in the body, it stimulates a feedback system whereby the brain tells the thyroid to release more hormones. Thyroid releasing hormone (TRH) stimulates the release the of thyroid stimulating hormone (TSH) […]
Light therapy for premenstrual dysphoric disorder (PMDD)
There is something truly magnificent about feeling the warmth of the sun on your skin, hence it comes to no surprise that exposure to light has been shown to be incredibly important for improving mood and general well-being. Light exposure has been extensively studied in relation to reducing depressive symptoms, particularly related to seasonal affective […]